depression: treatment types and costs

[wetpatch]

Is there a list somewhere of all the options for treating depression, with a guide to costs? 

Can someone describe to me something that has worked and how much it cost, how long it took, how you got started? 

Can you claim it on medicare or get financial assistance? 

Do you have to see a G.P. or can you see a counsellor/psychologist/life coach/etc. straight away?

Can you do skype/google hangout or web-based sessions of counselling?

[Catatonic]

I don't think there is a googlable list / price list. But I can give you my opinion/experience if you like?

beyond blue obviously gives you information/forums. They also provide an online/phone counselling service for those in crisis (and I can say from personal experience are wonderful)

Lifeline have some online/phone counselling for crisis situations or if you feel overwhelmed and need to talk to someone.

There is a Organisation called Mindspot (google them) they offer free treatment program, you have to fill in their questionnaire and they will call you with the results and have a chat to you about what online treatment they think will best sort you... Basically it is like 10 weeks of support and courses to help deal with your depression/anxiety.

MoodGym is another free online service - It provides online based courses to help you deal with the depression - you sign up and do the courses at your own space.

Your GP is the best place to start... (It depends what GP you go to if they bulk bill and I suggest with something as important as this - let the reception know that you require a longer appointment)

Your gp can refer you to other services/commence medication etc. a good base line to start...

You can access Private counselling by yourself - going to places like Relationships Australia - or just calling up a counsellor around you (again have a google) - Costing is dependent on where you are and who you go with. (I've paid from $35 to $170 a session)... If you have private health insurance have a look at how much it would cost and who you can go to through them?

or you can ask your GP for a Mental Health Plan (or they might suggest it for you) This is where you can get 6+ sessions of psychologist counselling through Medicare for conditions such as depression/anxiety/etc etc (mental health illnesses) Some places still require you to pay upfront and you can get some back through medicare. again it depends on where you go and their costing... (personally I have been priced from 0 to $150)

If you feel that you are at risk of self harm or harm of others. Call up your local hospital and asked to speak to the Mental Health Team. They are the best to be able to support you and guide you in the right place. Public mental Health ACTeams are free...

[The_Real_David_Charles]

Dear wetpatch,

Let your GP refer you to a counsellor,etc, and get 10 free visits on the Mental Health Plan.  It's basically 30 mins of answering quesitons and identifying professionals that can take you on.  Plus it can be ongoing and reviewed.

I don't think responders can list drug types and costs althought the mods can probably make an overall statement to help.

How long does it take to get over depression ?   I gotta admit that made me think of Beyondblue as a Supermarket.   You can't "get over" depression in the same way you "get over" the Australian Cricket Team losing the Ashes.  It's a very individual thing and time is the best healer.

Sometimes when you "get over" things without the right back up, support or any idea of what your depressive triggers are, you will relapse and sink further into depression (being angry that you "failed").  But taking things easy might be better.  Can a broken bone heal any quicker ?  Are Cricket Umpires trust worthy ???

Adios, David.

[wetpatch]

Thanks for the tips! This is exactly the info i wanted.